Blackface Broadcasting in the Early Days of Radio

Abstract

Numerous radio historians have studied the significance and influence of Amos 'n' Andy during broadcasting's formative years, but scant attention has been paid to other programs that were similarly inspired by the traditions of blackface minstrelsy. This study traces the history of radio minstrelsy as a distinct genre and outlines its influence on other forms of programming using evidence drawn from trade publications and newspaper articles, the previous literature on early radio, and surviving audio recordings. The study also examines "hillbilly" shows from radio's early years, which drew from a similar performance tradition.